@MakerlyCrafts Box Review - #Crafting #Sugarskulls #Quilling

The subscription boxes from Makerly Crafts sounded fun, so I was delighted when I received my first box. I'm going to tell you all about my first box today, which is rather appropriate, given that there was a skull theme to this month's box, yesterday was Halloween, and today is the continuation of the Samhain celebrations, or the Day Of The Dead (depending on who you ask, and where in the world you happen to be).

Before I do though, I want to make something clear for those who aren't regulars to this blog: the quality of the finished project is not a reflection on Makerly Crafts, but a result of my being blind. Someone with sight would probably have produced something much neater, even if they were as new to quilling as I was. Just saying.

Right, now we have that out of the way, let's get on with talking about the box and its contents, shall we?

Makerly Crafts sends different crafts each month. One month it might be a sewing project, another month candle making, another month some kind of quilling kit (I list those because I know they've definitely covered those kinds of crafts, since I've seen them mentioned on their social media as past box themes). You get the idea. So you never know until the box arrives what the craft will be. They even make a point of giving some time for the boxes to arrive with people before announcing online what the craft for the month is. Looking at the past boxes they still have available, and the stuff on their blog and social media, they've had some fantastic kits. I'm only sad I missed some of those (I was too late to buy the pumpkin sewing project they did last Halloween, for example; I'd have loved that one, and brought the kit for that past box for sure, if they were still selling it among their past boxes for sale).

Anyway, back to the box I got this month...

They send the boxes out on the 15th of the month. When your box arrives, you'll get something like this:

(I put something over my address, since I'd rather not have my home address plastered all over the internet).

When I opened my box, it was like Christmas had come early, with a nice little package inside, and even a lovely little welcome note...

It was only at this point, when I was examining the contents of my box, that I learned what the kit was for the month. In this case it was a sugarskull quilling kit. A perfect kit for October!

The box contained...

• The instructions and template
• Some background paper to put the template on (in a couple of different colours)
• A quilling tool
• A quilling board (for making the actual shapes)
• Some tweasers
• Some pins
• Strips of paper (in several different colours)
• Glue
• A frame to put your finished picture in

Here are some photos of everything that was in the box:

It was everything I'd need to make my kit, both when it came to tools and supplies. In fact, I could have easily made a second one. Although, I'd have had to buy my own frame for that one. Still, you get the point, I'm sure.

Anyway, they say the instructions they include with their kits are simple and easy to follow. They are very much correct. The instructions were clear enough that it only took one time with me having them read to me while familiarizing myself with the various items, and after that I was able to know what I was doing without having to keep asking for clarification on any of the steps. So anyone who can easily refer back to them when they need to would definitely have no problems following them, regardless of skill level. I did need help to cut out the skull template, and with colour identification (for obvious reasons) but that's not something most people would struggle with, of course.

So...

Once I had my skull template, and it was glued on to the background I chose...

I outlined the skull in black...

(Glad for the pins they'd included, which made this stage easier).

Then I gave my skull some eye and nose holes...

Before filling the rest in using my own chosen colour pattern...

(There is a pattern shown with the instructions, which you can follow if you like, but they say you can pick your own pattern, and I probably would have done that even if I could see theirs).

I didn't use tweasers to help with doing it. They suggested it might be easier. For some people it might. But I was managing fine just using my hands and the quilling tools, so I didn't bother. Actually, in my case it would have possibly made things more difficult had I used the tweasers. Still, that might not be the case for everyone, and I thought the tip about possibly using tweasers was nice, and the fact they even included them - just in case you did find it easier that way - was even nicer.

Anyway, once my skull was finished, I put it in the frame...

There you have it. One completed sugarskull quilling kit.

So, what did I think of it all?

The kit was fun. Not only that, but it was all presented nicely, which made me feel like they'd taken special care with my package, so made me feel good. Plus, as I already mentioned, they included clear and easy to follow instructions. I'm already excited about my next box coming, and I still have another couple of weeks before it will arrive.

Is it good value for money? Absolutely! It costs £15 (around US$20 with the current most common conversion rate) and you'd be hard pressed to get everything included in the kit for the cost of the box.

Would I recommend it? Definitely! In fact, consider this me doing so. Yes, to those of you outside of the UK too, since they do ship outside of the UK.

If you want to check it out, but don't want to commit to a subscription, you can buy some of their past boxes - while stocks last - from their website. The sugarskull quilling kit from this post, for example, is available to buy at the time I'm writing this, along with the cupcake candle kit (which I believe had been September's box).

Finally, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to them for this box, and for the hours of crafty fun it gave me.

Candles and soaps

I have a new respect for soapmakers.

I'd assumed that soapmaking would be similar to candlemaking. You heat up the ingredients, mix them together, pour them in to a mould of some sort, leave them to set, and if things go wrong then you just have a funny looking candle or bar of soap.

I was sort of right. Only, there's one very important difference (which I learned about while reading the lessons for the "Handmade Soapmaking" course); if you go wrong with the soaps, they could potentially be dangerous to use.

Unfortunately for me, the signs are only visible signs, and you need to be able to read ph test strips, which you use to determine the degree of alkalinity (7 to 14) or acidity (1 to 7) of a substance, and doing this is how you will know if the soap is safe to use. If the soap's ph level is too high or low, the soap could be harmful.

So, I guess I wont be making any soap; it's too much of a visual process.

I'll just have to stick to candles.

Celebrating Imbolc 2012 (FD)

On the evening of February 1st I had a dinner of pasta with cheese sauce, then did the "Imbolc end-of-Winter meditation" I posted on my blog that evening. Then I went to bed, since the rest of what I planned to do would be happening the next day.

The morning of February 2nd arrived, and it was a cold one. The wind was bitter, and despite the blue sky there was no warmth to be felt from the sun. Still, Kelly took Willow for her morning walk, and when they got back, Kero and I set out for ours.

I decided to take the camera with me and try and get some shots. I wasn't sure how well I'd done, since I didn't want to spend too long trying to aim the camera; it was hard to use it through my gloves, so to do so I had to remove them, and staying still made it seem even colder out there than it had while I was walking. I wanted some photos though, so I put up with it long enough to take some.

I took this one as Kero and I walked through the archway to enter the park:


The lawn in the photo is the bit of grass Kero and I walk around before leaving through the same entrance we entered when we go to the park on our own.

Most of the trees are still bare:



Though there is some green to be seen in the park, since some trees are green year round. Here's a green tree for anyone who's longing for the sight of green things:


I believe this was taken while I was standing the opposite side of the grass, with my back to the pond:


I know this one was definately taken with me standing with my back to the pond:


When we got back I had a nice mug of cocoa to warm up, then settled down to read my book on candle making in hopes of memorizing as much as I could before beginning the task. Then, when I was ready to do so, I went and made some candles:



They're rather nobbly looking; especially the two in the photo with the one in the glass container. The book says that can happen if you don't quite have the wax warm enough, and since I don't have a thermometer I had no way of knowing the wax's temperature (ordinary thermometers may not cost much, but talking ones do, hence my not having one). Apart from being rather nobbly looking though, I don't think I did too bad of a job for my first attempt at candle making. What do you think?

Before dinner Kelly, Kero, Willow and I went for another walk.

I wasn't sure at that point if I'd managed to get any shots worth keeping, so I asked Kelly to get a photo for me, and this is the one he took:


And that's how I celebrated Imbolc this year.

Activity and ritual ideas for Imbolc

Imbolc is a time of celebration and ritual, often honoring Brighid, the goddess of the hearth. This is also a time of new beginnings and of purification. Celebrate the Imbolc season by performing rites and rituals that honor the themes of the end of winter.

Imbolc Activities:
*Place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house, beginning at sundown *on Candlemas Eve (February 1) , allowing them to continue burning until sunrise.
*Hold a candle-making party and then bless all the candles you'll be using for the whole year.
*This is one of the traditional times for initiations and rededications into the Craft.
*Take a hike and Search for Signs of Spring.
*Decorate a plough and place on your doorstep.
*Perform rites of spiritual cleansing and purification.
*Weave "Brigit's crosses" from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection.
*Make a potpourri for Imbolc by taking a piece of fabric, filling with dried leaves, pine cones, and fruit peels. Tie with a ribbon.
*Research Fire Deities of your Tradition or pantheon.
*Private Meditation and/or Ritual
*Read stories about Groundhog's day, Fire, or even try reading some poetry.


***
Imbolc Circle Notes:
*Use a brown altar cloth to symbolize the Earth, and decorate with narcissus, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, or other seasonal flowering bulbs.
*Anoint white candles with musk oil and place them in ivy-covered candle rings. *Burn Imbolc incense.
*After casting the Circle with the wand, use the besom to sweep the perimeter. As you sweep, say: "With this besom filled with power, Sweep away the old and sour. Sweep away the chill of death, As winter draws its last cold breath. Round, round, round about, Sweep the old and useless out!"
*After libation, bless the candles for the coming months saying: "I bless thee creatures of wax and light, and cast out negativity. Serve your purpose, flaming bright, infused with magick, you shall be. Instruments of light and strength, wic and wax though you may be, I give you life of needed length. To aid in creativity!"
*Continue circle in the normal manner.

Imbolc Celebration Ideas:
*Tie three small ears of corn together with a white satin ribbon, then wrap the bundle in a white doily to represent Brid. Use a clear quartz crystal point to represent the Young Lord. As you place them in the basket, say: "The Maid and Lord now bring us light, The winter dies, and all is bright! And as They lie in bed so near, The frozen ground does disappear - For Their love brings fertility, To the Earth again; so mote it be!"
*Burn all evergreen decorations from the Yule ritual. This ensures good luck in the coming year.
*Tie small bundles of straw together with pieces of black ribbon. Name each bundle for something you want to remove from your life, then burn it in the cauldron.
*After libation, walk outdoors for a few moments. Remember the warmth of spring. Then trace the male and female symbols (the symbols for Mars and Venus) on the ground and enclose them in a circle, say: "Encased in Sun, Your light shall shine, And guide the spring toward greening time. And as your hearts both melt in love, To light grows stronger from above."

***

Imbolc
Warm blessings to you all! The Light has been reborn and is growing in strength to warm us all. 'Imbolc' is a term which means "ewes milk"; this is the time of year that pregnant sheep begin to lactate, a sure sign that spring is coming. It is a season of faith and hope that the sun will once again warm us all and bring new life.

This is a season of staying indoors, and to our ancestors it was the time of busy hands. After the rush of making and buying Solstice gifts and cookies, sending cards, and visiting with family and friends, our ancestors were often indoors in the cold winter months until the planting could begin again in the spring. 'Tis the season for handicrafts of all sorts! Interior home repair, woodworking, needlework of all varieties. This is the time of year candles were made, baskets woven, and wool spun into thread and yarn to make clothing and household items. All of these activities helped decorate the home and kept everyone busy. It is also a perfect time of year for developing psychic ability and creating a new meditation practice.

Brigit, a Celtic Fire Goddess, is remembered this time of year as she keeps the hearth fires burning, keeping everyone warm. Hopefully firewood and food stores will hold out until warmer weather comes again. We gather around the fire with our various projects, telling stories and enjoying the companionship of those present, and planning the months to come. What seeds will be planted at the Equinox..... what goals do each of us have for the coming year, what projects will be completed?

IMBOLC ACTIVITIES:

Learn a new handicraft to keep your hands busy in front of the fire or chatting with friends and family; take up a needlecraft, woodworking, scrapbooking.
Call a local food shelter and ask what items they need this week. Often, though they are inundated at Solstice, their storage areas are empty by February.
AN IMBOLC RECIPE:
Dairy foods are appropriate for this time of year, as is anything that reminds you of the sun - spicy foods, colorful foods. February can be a time of scarcity. Here's a good clean-out-the-fridge recipe for a hearty soup. All you need to add is a piece of crusty bread for a warming meal.

Imbolc Vegetable Soup
A third to a half head of cabbage, chopped
1 can tomatoes, diced
a can of beans, whatever you have or like
green beans, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, corn - whatever you can find; fresh, canned or frozen

Here's the fun part - you can flavor it to suit your mood. Leave it as is to enjoy the flavors of the vegetables. Spice it up with cumin & cayenne. Or add coriander and turmeric for an Indian effect. Make it thicker, like a stew, and add raisins. Experiment and Enjoy!

***

Sources:
http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/angelline/imbolc_activities.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/angelline/imbolc_rituals.htm
http://www.matrifocus.com/IMB02/hearth.htm

Project list as it stands at the start of 2012

OK, I said yesterday I'd post my list of projects I'd like to get done this year, so... * Make a handmade gift for each family member (and a select couple of friends) for Christmas. * Make a matching hat, scarf and mittens set for myself in blue and gold. * Make a cardigan/jacket for myself. * Stitch a few items of clothing for myself. * Knit a couple of blankets/throws for us. * Make a clay Dalek. * Make birthday and holiday cards for everyone I send to. * Have a go at candle making. Of course, things may be added throughout the year (in fact, I'd be surprised if they weren't). But those are the things I would like to get done at the moment.

Celebrating Yule 2011 - Part 3 (FD)

And then it was Christmas Eve. My presents were an audio CD I'd been dying to get, which Kelly brought for me (review and more information to come soon) and even more glitter stuff from Kero. And we spent the day watching holiday movies while I worked on getting this hat finished: It's one Kelly asked me to make; says he needs one now he's had his hair cut shorter. And, yes, the colours were his choice. Anyway, we watched all my favourite holiday movies: Terry Pratchett's Hogfather Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer Miracle On 34th Street The Littlest Light On The Christmas Tree One Magic Christmas The Polar Express Santa Claus - The Movie (That last one is my all time favourite Christmas movie). I was going to also watch "The Grinch" and "Elf" but I got too tired. When I was taking Kero out before bed that night I heard the bells from the nearby church ringing (for the start of midnight mass, if I'm not mistaken) so I stood and listened while I drank my mug of hot cocoa and gave Kero time to find the perfect spot to do whatever he might need to do before bed. Then I went to bed and read "The Bear Father Christmas Forgot" before I settled to sleep. That's another favourite of mine; Carl gave it to me, and I've read it every year since; it's a cute little story. I was going to also read "A Candle In The Forest" but I was too tired; I fell asleep almost as soon as I laid my head on the pillow and snuggled in under my blankets. Of course, I left the holiday lights on though... ...They always stay on on Christmas Eve! So... Christmas Day arrived. We got up and had our stockings, which "Santa" had very kindly filled with treats for us; chocolate coins, nuts, chocolate Santas, then some of our favourite treats, which in my case meant some fudge, some coconut ice, and a selection of dairy free chocolates. Then we opened the last of the presents under the tree. My present from "Santa" was some craft stuff; some stickers, more glitter, and some wooden shapes I can stick on things. From Kelly I had three more audiobooks (review and information to come in a later post) and the final Harry Potter movie, and from Kero I had a book about candle making, a book with meditation ideas in it, and another book (again, review and information to come in a later post). Most of the family gave me money, but my Mam also gave me some presents, and my brother, Carl, wanted to give me presents rather than money, so I let him. These are what I had from Carl. Soaps in the shapes of animals: (A hippo, a turtle, a fish, a bear and a dolphin). And some moulds for making jelly (jell-o) or chocolate, or whatever: (A normal jelly mould, a rabbit one, and a car one). My Mam gave me some scented pillows (sort of like the lavender ones I made at Litha) and some pot puree (will have to get a pot to put it in). Also, I know I have a couple of other things from her that she forgot to send because they were in a different box (the first box wasn't big enough for them too). Anyway, most of the 25th was spent phoning and texting people to say, "Merry Christmas," and swap details of who had what and from whom. Then I spent most of the evening doing the prepwork for the holiday feast we planned on making the following day to finish off our celebrations.

Celebrating Yule 2011 - Part 2 (FD)

Thursday December 22nd arrived, and it was time for us to start our second full day of holiday celebrations! :)

We exchanged another present; I had an audiobook from Kelly (review and information to come in a later post) and more glitter stuff from Kero.

Then we started having fun with crafts. We wanted to make at least one holiday decoration. In my case this was a couple of glittery baubles:





I used the gold glitter paint I'd had from Kero that morning as the main colour, then decorated one of them with some glitter glue too; only I did it lightly so you only get the hint of the colours. I used amathyst, ruby and aquamarine, but I'm not sure if you can tell from the photos above.

Kelly made some sledding penguins. Well, started to; they're really fiddly, so they weren't done by the time I sent these photos to Iggy to be sorted, and I haven't had a chance to have him sort the photos yet. I'll post photos when I can though.

We finally got to our roast chestnuts after that; turns out Kero likes chestnuts too!

Anyway, that evening I did a meditation I'd planned to do. Well, sort of.

My plan was to take my quartz thumb crystal (which I hold when meditating)...


...Then meditate about the old year, and the new one.

In the back of my mind though was something I'd heard a lot of people saying about recently; a word for the coming year. I had heard someone mention it last year, but this year several people had. Enough, it seems, to have it firmly planted as a suggestion for me in my own mind. I tried several times to stop myself thinking about the word for the coming year - since that wasn't what I planned to meditate on - but my mind kept coming back to it. In the end I got the hint and decided to go with it; if my mind was that determined to pick the word (and it was the same word each time) then what else could I do?

So, I have a word for the coming year... Hope!

Anyway... It was a little after eight in the evening, I was done meditating and had just gone back in to the bedroom to listen to my new audiobook when the doorbell went. Who could it be? I was in my PJs (I usually am by that time if I have no reason not to be) so Kelly answered it. He was in PJs too, but that's not as bad for a man. Sorry, but it isn't.

When he opened the door, someone shouted, "come carol with us!" and disappeared in to the night before he could say or do anything. I wish they'd hung about; if they had then I'd have liked to go with them, but though he saw which way they went, by the time we could have thrown some clothes on and been ready to go they'd have been long gone. If he'd stuck around I'd have asked him to wait a minute and we'd join them, but he just didn't give us time. He seemed to think we'd be ready to drop everything and follow him. I wish we could have! I told Kelly I'd like to find out next year if someone will be doing that again, and if so be ready to follow them. He seems to like the idea too, so hopefully we can find out if or when they'll be doing it and join in next year.

OK, moving on...

On the 23rd we planned to be doing some gaming, but instead ended up doing more work on our craft projects, since we had to keep doing a bit then letting it dry and so on. Plus, we'd planned to do a bit of roleplaying, but my laptop decided it wasn't having any of it; I managed to catch up with blogs, but when we were about to try and do the roleplaying session (which I needed my laptop for since my character sheet and GMA Dice are on it)... Well, the laptop just refused to start. By the time I got it working again it was too late to be playing really.

My presents that day were more glitter stuff and a small pair of craft scissors from Kero, and some candle making supplies from Kelly to bulk up the starter kit I got myself for my planned attempts at candle making; I'm thinking I'll try it on Imbolc (February 2nd, for those who don't know) since that's a good time for candle making.

And I spent the evening reading a book called "A Treasury Of Christmas Tales" which has short versions of stories like "The Little Match Girl" and "A Christmas Carol" and "The Nutcracker" in it, as well as a few cute little Christmas stories I hadn't heard of before like "The Christmas Bear" and "The Wishing Star"... I love the book so much I got my brother a copy so he could read it each year too, if he wants to.

Celebrating Yule 2011 - part 1 (FD)

OK, now that Kero's had his turn at posting about the holidays, it's my turn! ;)

On December 20th we kicked things off by making that the first night to have the candles lit for a while. We planned to light the two scented ones we had, but decided we'd also light the plain white one we'd found on the windowsill when we moved in. It didn't look like it had been used, and I did purify it "just in case" because of the fact it was sort of being used for a ritual; the candles, after all, were a symbol of the sun now beginning to strengthen, and warmth and light returning to the Earth. Anyway, here are all three candles lit:


The bits of wax from the edges of the wider ones; which didn't end up melted away as the candles burned, is now in small pieces with the candle making stuff I have, and I plan to melt it down to use to make new candles at some point.

We'd also planned on having roast chestnuts, mince pies and cocoa to kick things off, but we didn't get to the roast chestnuts and mince pies that first evening; we were too full from dinner, and too tired by the time we weren't. LOL!

Anyway, the following morning we had our first present; in my case this was some new cookie cutters and a tub containing some craft supplies (pipecleaners, pom-poms and such) from Kelly, and some glitters and glitter glues from Kero.

Then we made cookies!

First we made some "cinnamon sun cookies"... Cinnamon cookies cut withh a cookie cutter I have that sort of resembles a sun shape.


Then we made some "chocolate walnut trees and bells"... Which are chocolate cookies containing chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, cut in the shapes of bells and trees using a couple of my new cookie cutters; a bell and a tree, as you probably figured out.


Then we made "ginger choc stars and snowflakes"... Ginger cookies with white chocolate chips in them, cut in the shapes of stars and snowflakes (again with a couple of my new cutters... Though I did already have at least one star shape).


We decided to decorate the ginger choc stars and snowflakes; we spread butter icing on them, then sprinkled sugar sprinkles in various shapes all over them. I put a few of them on my penguin plate so you can see them decorated.


We also made some sweet mince pies.


I used my Mam's mince pie recipe, but I made the pastry myself.

I still had a couple left from the last batch, but while I was baking... *Shrugs*... Well, you know; I figured I might as well! ;)

We ate some cookies and mince pies that day, but we still didn't get to the roast chestnuts.

Just after sunset it was time for me to do my planned ritual.

So, I took up my bell and the special candle I'd brought for doing it...


...And went around the house with the candle in one hand and the bell in the other, holding the candle up and ringing my bell while repeating a single phrase:

"Be gone all those who wish us harm; welcome those who don't!"

And when I was done I placed the candle in the kitchen window (which is near the door) and made sure its twin was lit in the living room window (which, because of the positioning, is "sort of" the other side of the door). I left both candles on all night to see off any unwelcome houseguests, and to serve as a welcoming light for those who we would welcome. Plus, as it was the night of the 21st, that's a good night to leave the candles lit all night anyway (and the fact they're battery candles - which I thought was safer since I would be walking around with one of them - meant that there was no fire danger while I went to bed and left them alight).

And that's it for the start of our celebrations; I'll tell you more tomorrow.

Moving - Part 5: random things to wrap it all up (LBE and FD)

Today's post is later than the others because it's the only one I've actually sat down to write on the day, and I was up to my elbows in pumpkin earlier so I wasn't really in a position to be writing a blog post; laptops and pumpkins should probably not be dealt with in unison, after all... Especially not if I'm the one dealing with them! ;)

Anyway...

First - before I wrap things up about the move - I would like to point out, for the benifit of anyone who doesn't follow his blog and is interested, that Kelly did a post about Hastings week and posted the photos he managed to get on Saturday on his own blog (we agreed it made sense, because he took them, and I always have loads to post on my blog, but he rarely does; most of his posts are movie reviews). So, if you want to see the post, go over to Kelly's blog and check out the post entitled "Hastings week photos" that he did earlier this afternoon.

OK, back to my own post...


For those who are dying to see something inside my property, here's a sneak peak...


(Most of my kitchen utensils on the counter in the tubs they're stored in).

I got the shot by accident when I was trying to get a shot you'll see in a bit, but figured I'd post it anyway. What? I didn't say it was a great sneak peak! ;)

Anyway...

When we arrived there was a card from my Grandma waiting for us on the mat, and within a few days we got another card; a card made by Jeannie, but sent to us by Iggy. Here are both cards; you should be able to tell which is which, I think...


Thank you Grandma, and thank you to Jeannie and Iggy too!

I got another bit of nice post a few days later...

Hobbycraft had issues with their site not long ago, and the result was that it took three weeks for me to get my order, some of it was missing when it did come, and communication was all but non-existant. By way of an apology I was given a voucher that entitled me to £20 (roughly $40) worth of free stuff, and free shipping. So, the night before I left I put in an order - £20.74 worth of stuff, and it cost me 74p - and hoped that this time they would do better. They did; here's my goodies:


*Black spider web patterned fabric
*a wooden bat decoration
*black paint
*a hand shaped cookie cutter
*a candle making starter kit
*a plastic container with compartments in it

I don't think you can see the container or the candle making kit; the other stuff is on top of them. Also, this is the shot I was trying for when I got the shot of the utensils.

The candle making kit I just wanted, but have been reluctant to buy one due to price (they're a lot of money for what little comes with them). I wanted it for the moulds more than anything. Anyway, this one was almost half price, and - because of my voucher - cost me nothing, so I figured, why not?

The container I needed; the cardboard one I have that my stuff was in being stored isn't in great shape - OK, it's falling apart - so I need to get my stuff moved in to something else so it can be retired. I figured while it was free would be a good time to try the ones I'd been looking at for size; they're perfect, so I just need to get more now (which I'll do when money allows).

As for the other stuff... Well, Samhain is coming up, and I have some things I'm sorting for it (more on those another day). Besides, they sounded cool!

OK, away from crafts, and on to other things...

I said I'd tell you how Kero came to meet the landlord, so, that's what I'm about to do!

We had Sky TV at our old place. We paid for all the channels to make sure we had every single movie channel, and it cost us £52 a month (wich is somewhere around $100). Because of the price (which still keeps rising) I kept it going. I couldn't help thinking though that it would be cheaper to have something like Netflix or Blockbuster. But there were all those channels, so we left it (despite the amount of times I couldn't help thinking it really wasn't worth the money). But, anyway...

When we moved here we noticed an absence of Sky dishes... Wondering why that is? Yes, we wondered too. We soon found out though.

This area is considered a "concervation area" so Sky dishes aren't allowed on the front of the buildings. With the landlord and local county council giving permission we could have one on the side of the property or up on the chimney, but only with permission from both parties. However, the side of the building doesn't have a big enough gap for the dish, and the chimeny is in a position where the signal wouldn't be great (also, none of us - Kelly, the landlord and myself - like the idea of sending the Sky guy up 4 stories to climb on the roof just so we can "try" and get a decent signal). The other option is to just stick with the TV arial; so a freeview box, which has many of the Sky channels, but not all of them, and hardly any of the movie channels. But, it only needs an arial, and it costs nothing after you buy the box (hence being called a "freeview" box).

The landlord was OK with us having the dish on the chimney - as long as none of the wires had to go through the inside of the part of the property he lives in - but, as I said, none of us felt comfortable with the idea of sending a Sky engineer up on the roof. Plus, we don't fancy the fuss of going to get permission from the local council.

Personally, I took it as a sign that I should do what I'd been considering doing anyway; cancel the Sky subscription and buy a freeview box. So, that's what we're doing.

I was going to get a Netflix subscription for my movies, but apparently they aren't available in my area "yet" so I can't. Blockbuster is meant to be good though (they just don't - to my knowledge - offer the option to watch the movies on your computer; unless you're doing so because your computer has a DVD drive).

There are a couple of TV shows I watch, but most of them I've seen several times and they're available on DVD anyway (some - like Buffy - I even already have on DVD), and the only other one I know is available to watch online somewhere (just got to find the link again) and it will probably come out on DVD at some point too. The "other one" is that new series, "The Secret Circle," which I caught the first episode of before we moved and enjoyed, so I want to watch it. Like I said though, we found it online, so if I find the link again I can watch it on there. Plus, most TV series come out on DVD in the end anyway!

So... It was because of the Sky discussion that Kero ended up meeting the landlord. And, as I said in an earlier post, the landlord adores him!

Actually, just about everyone seems to adore him; he's loving the attention, LOL!

Anyway...

We moved in here on the 5th of October, Kelly went back to Wales on the 10th of October, the removal truck arrived on the 11th of October (and after Kelly saw it off he went and handed in the keys for the old place, then got on a train to come back here), and we already have almost everything unpacked. We would have it all done, but for one thing I'm on strike (I need a break from unpacking boxes) and for another thing we need to buy something for our CDs to go in before we can unpack them.

OK, well... I'm sure there was something else I was going to post about in part 5, but I honestly can't think what it was. Oh well, if I think of it I can just post it seporately. For now though that just about gets you caught up on everything to do with the move; anything else will come in other posts (either because I thought it should, or because I've forgotten what it is and haven't told you about it, LOL!)

Craft kits and supplies

Where possible I like to plan ahead, so within a few days of Litha being over with I started thinking about the next holiday we will be doing something for; Lughnasadh/Lammas (August 1st). It was agreed that we would spend some time doing some kind of craft kit or something together, so I needed to find one that we would both enjoy. If it was just me I'd probably have just spent at least a large part of the day working on my knitting projects and such, but Kelly doesn't knit, so I needed to find something we could do together (or, failing that, something he could do while I work on my knitting projects). I'd heard about a website called "Craft Kits UK" so I went there to look first. It looks like a pretty good website, but it seems to be focusing more on card making than anything, and I didn't really want to do card making. There's nothing wrong with card making; in fact, I'm thinking I might give it another go again in the future, but card making wasn't what I was looking for. So, I decided to do a Google search for "craft kits" to see what I could come up with. I found a website called "Make It Now" where they have a nice selection of craft kits, including sewing kits, candlemaking kits, and some "Timberkits mechanical models" which captured my attention... The following is from the page linked to above: "Timberkits are a range of mechanical models supplied in component form. Each kit comprises a selection of precision made wooden parts which are assembled using the supplied glue and sandpaper, to produce a finished model with moving parts. Timberkits are the perfect introduction to mechanical principles and Automata- one can see the effect of each part on the next and it's simple to understand how gears, cams and drive shafts work! All the components in Timberkits are made from natural wood which is sustainably sourced and FSC certified. Every Timberkit comes with clear, easy to follow instructions, often including illustrations, and all kits are suitable from 8 or 9 years and above. Once assembled, Timberkits can be painted or left to show the natural beauty of wood." They sound like they'll be fun to make, and since both Kelly and I have an interest in how things work, and most of Kelly's craft-like hobbies involve putting together models... Well, it seemed like a great idea. And when I saw the "Flatbits: Lion"" I knew we just had to get it; especially with my love of lions! We ordered it Monday morning, and it arrived on Tuesday morning. I can't wait for Lughnasadh now, because I'm looking forward to building a lion!

Groomers, nurses, giraffes and memes

Yesterday (Thursday) Kero had his grooming appointment. I know I usually post a pic for you after it, but I never had a chance to get Kelly to take one. All he had done was a bit of a trim (and a bath) anyway. He's going back in September. I think it's the 4th or the 9th - or something like that - but I can't remember right now. The groomer gave us the bit of paper when she brought Kero back, and we put it up where we put other appointments. The thing is, we were getting ready to go to our nurse's appointments, so I never paid much attention to it. And, Kelly's busy right now, so probably wouldn't appreciate me asking him to go check just so I can post it here.

Our nurse's appointments went well.

With how the nurse changed my inhalers, I'm down to only needing one of them regularly, and having the other only when "needed" (which hasn't been much). So, she's really pleased she was able to cut down the amount I needed my inhalers. So am I, to be honest. LOL!

As for Kelly... After doing the peak-flow diary for the nurse, she agreed with what I've been saying all along. He doesn't have asthma, he's just prone to regular chest infections. So, she took away the inhaler (which wasn't helping any anyway) and has told him to just have some medicine if he isn't feeling well. And, if that doesn't help, to get in to see a doctor. So, that was good too. Admitedly it's not good that he's prone to chest infections. But, at least he doesn't have asthma, so doesn't need an inhaler on hand 24/7.

Anyway...

Wayne had Kero for us while we went to the nurse. Then he stayed for dinner, and over night.

He (Wayne) is watching my Full House DVDs, but is a few season behind me on them. So, he finished watching season 3 while we were with the nurse. After that he wanted to watch "Alvin And The Chipmunks" so I watched it with him. Yeah, I know I only watched it a couple of weeks ago. But, it's a good movie (despite what my Dad thinks).

Wayne went home this morning. He walked up town to get the bus home when Kelly was walking up town to go to the market for the veg for this week. My Mam and Dad were probably hoping we'd keep him a bit longer though. LOL!

And, - speaking of my Dad - today is his birthday. We gave him his card (and a bit of money) on Wednesday when he was here though, because we didn't plan on seeing him today. Although, I did phone him this morning to say, "happy birthday" to him. And, of course, I'm saying happy birthday to him on here too... "Happy birthday, Dad!" :)

Anyway...

This morning I listened to "The Giraffe And The Pelli And Me" by Roald Dahl (the last story in the box set I mentioned before). This one's about a ladderless window-cleaning company that consists of a giraffe, a pellican and a monkey, and a little boy named "Billy" who they meet after buying "The Grubber House" near where he lives. It's a silly - but cute - story.

Then, this afternoon, I watched the rest of season 7 of Full House.

That's pretty much all I've done today though.

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Kati had these memes on her blog, and I thought I'd do them too.

If you want to do them on your blog too, then go ahead, I'm not passing them on to spacific people though. You either do them, or you don't. I'm not bothered either way. It'd be nice if you could let me know if you're going to do them though, so I know to come look for them on your blog.

Anyway...

The first is "What wont you give up?"

What wont I give up?

1. My family. They may be a pain at times, but their my family. And, family is very important. I couldn't and wouldn't give them up. This includes my dog, Kero.

2. My white cane. It might seem like an odd thing not to want to give up, and it does seem weird me including it when just last year I was still refusing to admit I needed it. But, my cane is my freedom. Without it I'm stuck at home or atatched to someone's arm. With it I can go out on my own, or - at least - walk along the street without holding someone's arm.

3. My books. I couldn't cope with nothing to read ever. Even if I was stuck with just having to keep one favourite, or something. I'd have to have at least one book.

4. Something to write with. I don't care if it's the brailler and some paper, the braille slate and some paper, or my laptop. I "need" something to write with. Writing is my way of coping with things. I could cope with almost any situation if I could at least have a way to vent my feelings through my writing.

Everything else I would - if absolutely necessary - be willing to at least consider giving up. Obviously I "need" at least a certain amount of food and drink. And, clothes on my back (even if they've seen better days) and a roof over my head would also be something I would rather not be without. But, since everyone needs those things, I didn't see the point in adding them to the list.

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The other one is "The Two By Two Meme"

Two things you are wearing right now: PJs and a robe (well, it's late and kinda chilly, lol)

Two of your favourite things: Writing and reading

Two things you want very badly at the moment: To get that eye op out of the way, and to be a Mami

Two favourite pets you have, or had: One of them is my dog, Kero (who I have right now) and the other one... This one's hard... I think I'm going to have to go with my Oriental cat, Chance (who died at the end of last year).

Two people you hope will fill this out: I'm not sending it to anyone so can't really answer this one. Whoever wants to fill it out can do so.

Two things you did last night: Watched TV and trimmed excess wax off of some of my big candles, which I then bagged up to melt later to make more candles with.

Two things you ate last night: Sausages and potatoes

Two people you last talked to: Kelly and my Mam

Two things you are doing tomorrow: Laundry and... Well, I don't really have anything else planned.

Two of farthest trips taken in last five years: Alberta, Canada and Norwich, England.

Two favourite holidays: Samhain/Halloween and Guy Fawlks Night (AKA "bombfire night")

Two favourite beverages: Tea and dandelion and burdock pop/soda

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OK, I think that about covers it for today. LOL!

Enjoy whatever's left of your day. :)

Tori